Apparatus and methods for performing switching in magnetic refrigeration systems using inductively coupled thermoelectric switches

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for performing switching of heat flow in magnetic refrigeration systems are provided. In one embodiment, microelectromechanical (MEM) switches are provided for switching from a heat absorption phase and a heat rejection phase of a magnetic refrigeration cycle. In other embodiments, these MEM switches are replaced by thermoelectric switches. The thermoelectric switches operate such that an “on” state is defined as heat flow being allowed by virtue of the thermal conductivity of the thermoelectric switch. An “off” state is defined as a net zero heat flow through the thermoelectric switch obtained by providing a current that is just sufficient to offset the heat flow through the thermoelectric switch due to its thermal conductivity. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric switches are “directly coupled” thermoelectric switches, meaning that they are energized by a direct electrical coupling to a current source. In other embodiments, one or more of the thermoelectric switches are “inductively coupled” thermoelectric switches, meaning that they are energized indirectly by a magnetic coupling. The magnetic refrigeration system may be cascaded or paralleled to provide greater cooling.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.